Business Networks

Business Networking

Our networks are like the arteries of our bodies. All of the data flows through these lines and if there is a constriction on the line it can slow everything down and cause problems. There are several options available for how to design the network and it can depend on the amount of data you are transferring, how many different pieces of equipment are using it, distance it needs to cover, etc.

Determining how to design that network takes some thought, especially if we are adding a wireless aspect as then we not only have to think about blind spots but also network and data security. We have to also look at the building the wire is going through to select the correct wire for its location as not all wire is the allowed to be in any location of building.

Proper Network for Your Needs

Not every business out there needs the fastest local network that is available. Blasphemy, I know, but it is true. That SOHO office with a computer connected via a network to a printer and the internet doesn't need a fiber optic connection, you might even be able to get away with a wireless connection so your smartphone and tablet can connect as well.

What speed do you really need?

We will discuss with you what you are doing on your network and help to guide you to the correct wiring standard for your needs. Businesses that are only using the network for printing and the internet typically don't need as fast of a network that a business who is doing video and photography work would need. The larger the files that you are transfering over your local network the more efficient you and your employees can be with a faster network.

What equipment do I really need?

As we look at what wiring/WiFi standards your business may need to handle the required speeds we also look at what do you need for network hardware. I could confuse you by listing the different types of HUBs, Switches and Routers and why which one is needed in different situations. I will happily explain to you why I am choosing the recommendation that I give you or if I feel like you need to make a choice, I give you the reasons to pick each one. Let us help you purchase what you need now and in planned expansions.

Network Storage Devices

There are times where we would like to have a central location to store data for our office, but we don't want to invest in having a server just to store the data is it isn't cost effective. The last few years we have seen these Network Storage Devices, NAS, gaining popularity. These devices will allow you to have a system of hard drives connected directly to the network that allows access to the files from any user that has access to it. If the system has multiple drives in it they normally support RAID for data redundancy as well.

Why do I need a router?

There are times that data is being sent on our network and it doesn't know where it needs to go because the destination is not recognized by the switch or any available destination. A router is used to look at the address for that data and route it down the correct path to make it to the destination. Most cases with small businesses this is to route data to and from the internet.

Due to a limited amount of addresses on the internet routers have also taken on the role of protector by allowing us to create a private network that uses one of a few different blocks of addresses that are never found on the internet. The router will translate that internal address so the data goes on to the internet and it will recognize which computer is supposed to receive the returning data it. This helps to add to the security of our networks.

About our Company

Don't let your computers frustrate you. Your time is a valuable resource and you are better off putting your time into what you do best and letting Donley Computer Services LLC handle your computers for you so we can help you by doing what we do best, computers!